Creating a coat and shoe club for the children is a great way to encourage independence. This chart is placed in the room and as a child learns to do one of those tasks, his/her name is placed on the chart. There is great incentive to be in the club because club members get to help others in the room to learn the skills. This is also great for reading because they have to read the helpers’ names when they need help. Mom and Dad are surprised at how quickly they are told “Don’t help me …I want to be in the Shoe Club!” A great incentive!!

– Joanne Sleightholm